Symptoms
Tissue on the leaf base and along the main vein is dark green, while the marginal, interveinal area towards the leaf tip shows a distinct purple tint. By the time, the discoloration spreads over the entire leaf blade.
Older leaves are affected first.
The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.
Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency
Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.